Randy Phillips

Entertainment-as-destination visionary

As chief of AEG Live, Randy Phillips oversees the nation’s second-largest concert promoter, responsible for Bon Jovi’s Have a Nice Day tour, the industry’s No. 7 tour; Celine Dion’s “A New Day” show at the Caesars Palace Colossuem in Las Vegas, the top permanent concert; and the touring King Tut exhibit. AEG has also promoted tours by Prince, Usher, Kenny Chesney and Paul McCartney plus others, while AEG’s Goldenvoice arm, led by Paul Tollett, created the popular Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. As deep-pocketed rivals like Live Nation challenge the company’s turf, Phillips — an artist manager who’s guided the careers of Lionel Ritchie, Rod Stewart and Tony Braxton — has led efforts to complement AEG’s core business with deals like the joint venture with AOL and XM to create and distribute live shows through the Internet, satellite and wireless.

P.O.V.: “The landscape may change, but our goal remains the same: always provide fans with the best music experience.”